Principal Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer at K2 Space

Los Angeles, California, United States

K2 Space Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, SpaceIndustries

Requirements

  • Experience with GNC actuator or sensor sizing, selection, and system design
  • Experience with implementing attitude control and/or estimation algorithms on spacecraft
  • Experience with verification and validation of GNC flight software in an integrated environment, leveraging 6-DOF simulation and HITL testing
  • Experience with early-stage spacecraft conceptual design, i.e. “clean sheet” design work
  • Experience with Python, Julia, C/C++, or Matlab for algorithm development, implementation, and simulation

Responsibilities

  • Work with other engineering leads to set the direction and develop novel vehicle architecture
  • Develop novel algorithms for precise pointing of very large, flexible structures in earth orbit and beyond
  • Develop novel slewing algorithms of very large, flexible structures in earth orbit and beyond
  • Develop simulation and modeling tools to support vehicle and GNC trade studies. This includes mission design, controls analysis, and 6-DOF simulation development
  • Integral to building the GNC organization by recruiting, hiring, and mentoring other engineers

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

GNCGuidanceNavigationControlAttitude ControlOrbit Estimation6-DOF SimulationFlight SoftwareVerification and ValidationTrade Studies

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What does the Principal GNC Engineer role entail in the first 3 months?

You will own and execute the Verification and Validation plan for the GNC stack, driving the system to flight readiness through thorough analysis of vehicle performance in nominal and off-nominal environments, including updates to the GNC stack and K2 6-DOF simulation.

What is the company culture like at K2 Space?

K2 Space is a fast-paced Series B space startup where motivated individuals thrive, with a team focused on building large, high-powered satellites to develop the solar system and achieve Kardashev Type II civilization.

What key responsibilities does the Principal GNC Engineer have?

Responsibilities include working with engineering leads to develop novel vehicle architecture, creating algorithms for precise pointing and slewing of large flexible structures, and developing simulation and modeling tools.

Is this position remote or onsite?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

K2 Space

Manufactures cost-effective high-capability satellite buses

About K2 Space

K2 Space manufactures and sells satellite buses, which are the main structures and systems of satellites, excluding the payload. Their products allow clients to create customized satellites for various missions, including scientific research, commercial communication, and defense. K2 Space's approach breaks the traditional link between satellite size and cost, enabling the deployment of large, high-capability satellites at lower prices. This is achieved by leveraging advanced satellite technology and a team with experience from top aerospace companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. K2 Space aims to make space missions more accessible by providing affordable satellite solutions, thus expanding opportunities for exploration and development in the aerospace sector.

West Hollywood, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2022Year Founded
$66.6MTotal Funding
SERIES_ACompany Stage
AerospaceIndustries
51-200Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Parental Leave
Company Equity

Risks

Increased competition from established companies like SpaceX threatens K2 Space's market share.
Reliance on venture capital funding may lead to financial instability if interest wanes.
Potential delays in launching their first Mega satellite could impact reputation and trust.

Differentiation

K2 Space offers high-capability satellite buses at a fraction of traditional costs.
The company breaks the historical correlation between satellite mass and cost.
K2 Space's team includes veterans from leading aerospace companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.

Upsides

K2 Space secured a $60M contract from the U.S. Space Force for satellite missions.
The company raised $50M to build Mega Class satellites, boosting its financial position.
Growing demand for satellite-based internet services expands K2 Space's market reach.

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